Flight activity is surging across the Gulf hubs as airlines restore capacity and return aircraft to service. However, operational performance remains below pre-conflict norms as airlines contend with longer routings and evolving fleet utilisation patterns, warns Jordan Amos from IBA
The market does not show a downturn in demand, but IBA analysis has found there is a divergence in earnings quality as airlines respond differently to rising costs, fuel volatility and operational disruption
164 aircraft orders were placed in April 2026, which is nearly eight times the number placed in April 2025. April also saw aircraft deliveries hit their highest figure since 2015
Global airline passenger capacity grew by 2.4% year-on-year in Q1 2026 despite significant regional disruption, with most regions recording solid expansion
569 commercial aircraft orders were placed in Q1, representing the largest Q1 order book since 2013, while the aircraft backlog has hit a record level, finds Aimie Stone, chief economist at ADS
Aircraft cabin interior design is increasingly driving business value, with passengers now expecting intuitive, emotionally resonant environments that seamlessly extend into the broader travel experience
The widespread airspace closures that have taken place across the Middle East since 28th February have resulted in a 59% reduction in all flights operating to, from, and within the region, says IBA. Emirates has reduced flights by 53%, while Qatar Airways has parked around 43% of its fleet
Aircraft orders in February 2026 are up by over 80% compared to 2025. Demand is surging, with the highest number of commercial aircraft delivered in February since 2019
The airline industry is moving from static provisioning for their onboard food and beverage (F&B) offer, to predictive retailing. AI-driven models can forecast demand with accuracy and help optimise stock for maximum ancillary revenues
Aerospace is at an interesting point in 2026, with new challenges, and increasingly exciting and inventive new ways to tackle them, such as self-healing parts and MRO capabilities in space. Rob Mather from IFS talks us through four predictions he has identified as technology drives big changes in the aerospace sector
